At PIGMENT TOKYO, we carry many kinds of Menso brushes (面相, fine brushes).
If you are a fan of our store, you may already know that a Menso brush is a line drawing brush used for Nihonga (日本画, Japanese painting) and design.
It is known for its drawing stability, flexible strokes, and firmness, making it suitable for all mediums and styles.
Moreover, Menso brushes are ideal not only for painting but also for craft-making and spare time hobbies where detailed work is required.
However, there are so many types of Menso brushes that some people may not know how or which to buy.
In this article, we will introduce some of our best-selling Menso brushes that can be used by both beginners and professionals.
・Johin Menso
Johin Menso is made from the hair of a sable from northern China. The sable hair that’s from cold regions is finer and more densely collected, making it easier to use and more flexible.
It is very easy to handle as a standard paintbrush. Therefore, Johin Menso is highly recommended for beginners who want to purchase their first brush.
【Art Materials Used】
Substrate: Bamboo Washi for Watercolor Art Pad (Postcard Size)
Painting Materials: Saiboku Aya Ai (Color Ink Stick Indigo)
・Designed Menso
Designed Menso can be used for drawing steady fine lines, making it popular for painting flat compositions and design work. It is just perfect for detailed drawing.
It is also recommended for drawing straight lines using a grooved ruler.
【Art Materials Used】
Substrate: Bamboo Washi for Watercolor Art Pad (Postcard Size)
Painting Materials: Saiboku Aya Ai (Color Ink Stick Indigo)
・Kolinsky Yuin Menso
Kolinsky Yuin Menso has a stiff but soft bristle. This brush is similar to the Designed Menso, however, it is more flexible because of the more contained bristles, so it can draw smoother lines.
If you use a large size Kolinsky Yuin Menso, you can create blurred lines with lots of water.
The term "Kolinsky" refers to the valuable sable that lives in Siberia and northeastern China.
【Art Materials Used】
Substrate: Bamboo Washi for Watercolor Art Pad (Postcard Size)
Painting Materials: Saiboku Aya Ai (Color Ink Stick Indigo)
・Kamogawa Menso
Kamogawa Menso is somewhat different from all the Menso brushes I have introduced so far.
It is relatively flexible, therefore, it can create rough and strong lines.
【Art Materials Used】
Substrate: Bamboo Washi for Watercolor Art Pad (Postcard Size)
Painting Materials: Saiboku Aya Ai (Color Ink Stick Indigo)
・Gokuhin Seigan
Gokuhin Seigan has a thin brush belly and a small number of bristles, so it can be used for drawing clean and sharp lines.
It is recommended for those who already have a Menso brush but want to try on a slightly different drawing style.
【Art Materials Used】
Substrate: Bamboo Washi for Watercolor Art Pad (Postcard Size)
Painting materials: Saiboku Aya Ai (Color Ink Stick Indigo)
Even for me, I'm tempted to say, "Aren't they all the same?” But it’s like creating your own coordinate axis and mapping an unknown area out. Once you find the fun and are able to master the depth of the world of Menso brushes, you will surely enjoy choosing and picking any paintbrush!
We hope this article can guide you on how and which Menso brush to buy and we’re looking forward to assisting you in both store purchasing and online shopping!
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Akira Oya
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art. While working at PIGMENT TOKYO as an Art Materials Expert, he also continues his career as a visual artist.
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art. While working at PIGMENT TOKYO as an Art Materials Expert, he also continues his career as a visual artist.